6.2. Water maintenance

Water maintenance is a point that requires the user’s closest attention, due to its importance. This maintenance will depend on the mineral content of the water used, how often the hot tub is used and the number of people who use it.

Improper use of chemicals can result in degradation, damage and other damage to the spa surface and other components (discoloration of materials or corrosion of metal parts).

Chemicals are available to help remove bio-particles and are recommended for periodic use immediately prior to a drain or whenever there is a problem.

There are three key points for water maintenance:

• Water filtration
• Chemical analysis and pH control
• Water disinfection

ANTI-FREEZE PROTECTION

If the temperature sensors detect a drop in temperature to below 6.7ºC, the heating element and filter pump will connect automatically to prevent the water from freezing and the damage this could cause to the hot tub.

The equipment will remain connected for 4 minutes after the temperature reaches 7.2ºC.

In colder climates, an additional temperature sensor can be added as a precaution and to avoid freezing conditions not detected by the standard sensor.

If the pump turns off in this situation, empty the Spa and contact your authorised dealer or Technical Assistance Service.

SAFE USE OF CHEMICALS

Before using any chemical, carefully read the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer on the product’s label.

• We recommend that the same person always uses the chemicals.
• Keep these products out of reach of children.
• Add the exact specified amounts to the water. Neither too much nor too little.
• Keep containers closed, in dry and well-ventilated places.
• Do not inhale chemicals and do not allow them to contact your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands after using them.
• Follow the emergency instructions that appear on the product’s label in the event of an accident or if ingested.
• Avoid smoking when handling these products. They may be flammable.
• Store these products in a suitable place, never inside the hot tub’s cabinet.
• Do not mix the products together. Add them to the water one at a time. This avoids any unwanted chemical reactions between them.
• Do not add chemicals into the water while there are people inside the hot tub.
• Spa chemicals should be added according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE OF THE HOT TUB WATER

All chemicals: chlorine, bromine tablets, algaecides, calcium descales and pH reducer/ increaser, etc. must be poured into a floating dispenser (not supplied), with the massage pump running for at least ten minutes.

ADJUSTING THE PH

A pH value between 7.2 ppm and 7.6 ppm is recommended. PH level measures acidity and alkalinity. Values above 7 ppm are alkaline; below 7 ppm they are acidic.

If the pH level is very low, it has the following effects:

• The disinfectant will dissipate quickly.
• The hot tub’s equipment may begin to corrode.
• The water may start to cause irritation to bathers.

If the pH level is very high, it has the following effects:

• The disinfectant is less effective.
• Scaling will appear on the acrylic and on the equipment.
• The water may turn cloudy.
• The pores in the filter cartridge may become clogged.

Check the water’s pH level daily with the pH test kit.

If the pH level is too high, use pH MINUS for hot tubs. Wait for two hours before testing the pH level again. If the pH level is too low, use pH PLUS for hot tubs. Wait for two hours before testing the pH level again.

When the pH level is within the above range, follow the instructions below.

WATER DISINFECTION

Disinfecting the water is vitally important to destroy algae, bacteria and organisms that can grow in the water. However, over-disinfecting can cause irritation to skin and eyes.

Bromine tablets are the most suitable water disinfectant for your hot tub. This product is placed in the pre-filter to gradually dissolve. Check the level of residual bromine every day using the bromine test kit. We recommend residual bromine levels between 2.2 and 3.3 ppm.

If using chlorine, to ensure that it is effective, you should maintain a free residual chlorine concentration between 0.5 and 1.5 ppm.

USING SPECIAL PRODUCTS

As well as products to maintain pH and disinfectant levels, there are other products that are specially formulated for use in hot tubs, which will help you to keep the water and equipment in perfect condition.

• DESCALER FOR HOT TUBS: Prevents build-ups of calcium salts (scaling), especially in hard water. This product is added weekly and every time that the water is changed.
• ALGASTOP FOR HOT TUBS: This algaecide prevents algae from growing in the hot tub’s water. This product is added weekly and every time that the water is changed.
• ANTI-FOAM FOR HOT TUBS: Due to the water being agitated and the oils present in the water, foam is often formed. When a substantial amount of foam is observed in the water, remove it with CTX Anti-Foam for hot tubs.
• WATERLINE CLEANER FOR HOT TUBS: To eliminate the rings of dirt and grease that form on the hot tub’s walls. To use this product, we recommend draining the water from the hot tub and applying the degreaser onto the areas being cleaned with a sponge. Then rinse with plenty of water.

U.V. DISINFECTION

Ultraviolet rays (UV-C) allow water to be disinfected without using chemicals. When bacteria, viruses and protozoa are exposed to wavelengths between 200-300 nanometers (range C), these waves become a quick and effective germicide, preventing microorganisms from reproducing and contaminating the water.

Moreover, disinfection with UV-C rays is considered environmentally friendly, chemical free, and highly effective at disinfecting the water and protecting it against harmful microorganisms. This disinfecting component is located after the filtration pump and before the electric heater. A lamp inside the unit emits UV-C rays that disinfect the water as it flows through it.

QUICK GUIDE TO USING CHEMICALS